One day hike to Snježnik

 

Hike

For the way up, we used first route. It was less covered in snow and was easy to pass in non-apropriate boots. On the way we found some interesting bear traces in snow, reminding us on the natural richness of Croatian forests and mountains. Near the top vegetation is only grass around the rocks, due to strong winds that often occur in this area. 

Summit is at 1505 m., and offers very nice views on Kvarner bay as well as other hills around, from nearby Risnjak and Guslica, to further Slovenian Sneznik, Bjelolasica and numerous other summits in Croatia. We took a little rest on the top and enjoyed in silence that only mountains can offer.

Taking down another route, trough Grlo (Croatian word for Throat) we passed beautiful but unfortunately abandoned mountain lodge Snježnik (1.490 mtrs) immediately below the summit, under the crest and above a grassy slope. It has very nice position on the rock and if would be renewed, without doubt would be most beautiful mountain hut in Croatia. From small terrace are nice vistas around Kvarner bay and Croatian islands. Rest of the way down was much more difficult: more steep and covered in frozen snow. But thanks to tree branches it was not problem even without proper equipment. In period from May to September, hike to Snježnik on both route is very easy. During the winter ice crampons are recommended.